Government continues to make unprecedented investments
in the provincial transportation network, committing an additional $10
million to revitalize roads in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation
and Works, announced today this new funding will come from the upcoming
provincial budget.

In January, Minister Hickey confirmed government
intends to invest $150 million to improve provincial roads this year,
including $60 million for the Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

The additional $10 million will be targeted to three
main areas:

Provincial Roads Improvement Program. The budget
will be increased by $6.5 million, from $60 million to $66.5 million
which enable further major upgrades and paving of provincial roads.

The Summer Maintenance Program supplies budget.
This program, which focuses on pot-hole patching, guardrail
replacement, erection of signs, etc. will be increased by $2.5
million. This brings the total for the Summer Maintenance Program
supplies budget to approximately $7 million.

$1 million for other highway improvement
measures.

"This increase in funding for provincial roads is a
further demonstration of this government’s steadfast commitment to the
province’s social and economic development," said Minister Hickey.

"Road investments not only provide safer, reliable
transportation for local motorists, but also contribute to economic
growth by supporting the trucking industry, tourism and other sectors."

This is the second year government has made a
substantial investment of at least $60 million in the Provincial Roads
Improvement Program. Once again, pre-approval of funding has been given
before the construction season begins which enables work to commence and
be completed earlier than in previous years.

Dan Spracklin, president of the Newfoundland and
Labrador Road Builders and Heavy Civil Association, said: "Our
association is quite pleased with the initiatives undertaken by the
Williams government to improve the state of the roads in our province. A
commitment of a further $10 million from government just makes our
successful partnership even stronger."

Government estimates the Provincial Roads Improvement
Program creates approximately 1,200 person years of employment, with 94
per cent of the work being done in rural areas.

This is the second year of government’s six-year
strategy for infrastructure improvements exceeding $2 billion.

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Media contact:
David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 691-3577davidsalter@gov.nl.ca

2007 04 05
11:50 a.m.

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